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Posts published in “Operating”

May Meeting Program Update

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 05/02/2016

At the May 6th club meeting our program will include several examples of a “Go Box.” These portable communications centers can easily be

Sample Go Box
Sample Go Box

transported by one person, setup quickly and provide communications on different bands and modes during emergencies or other communication events..

Learn about their purpose, capabilities, how to plan and make your own. Our presenters will each demonstrate their own projects. We will hear from: Andy, KI4VOS; Udo, KF4KUL and
Clayton, KJ4RUS. We also plan to fire up some of the equipment as a demonstration.

There will be plenty of time to see the equipment up close and ask questions. Flexible communications capability is important for wide-spread emergency situations. As we approach hurricane season, this program should provide plenty of ideas on how to construct your own Go-Box.

Everyone is welcome to attend the club meeting, SPARC member or not, even if you don’t have a license.

 

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Extra Propagation

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 04/26/2016

The SPARC daily net’s Q&A session run by Ed, NZ1Q is moving on to Propagation questions from

Ohm's Law
Ohm’s Law

the Amateur Extra question pool. Ed and his team have just finished running through questions covering the digital modes available to radio amateurs. A question is presented every evening with answer/discussion following at the end of the net.  Those studying for an exam find the material helpful and those licensed long ago learn new material. As an added bonus, occasionally a ham radio trivia question sneaks in, offering some diversity to this learning opportunity. Join the group at 6:30PM on the SPARC 2M (147.06) repeater.

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Net Manager Needed

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 04/17/2016

After many years of dedicated service, Johnnie, W4TSP has decided to step down as SPARC Net Manager as of July 1, 2016. ThaHere's what's happeningnk you Johnnie for all the time you spent keeping the net on the air 7/365.

If you are interested in the position of SPARC Net Manager, please contact Johnnie or Bob, N2ESP. We also have the Wednesday night net controller available for those not interested in a “management” position.

If you are a SPARC Net regular, please consider stepping up to help the club maintain its leadership position in getting on the air together.

 

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Field Day 2016

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 04/08/2016

By Coy, KK4JMP, Field Day Chairman

Objective

Field Day 2016, a local and national amateur radio association promoted by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), as an2016 Field Day Logo educational, radio operating and public relations event where radio operators all over America work and make as many contacts as possible on all amateur radio bands throughout Florida and across the nation and some foreign countries and regions under abnormal conditions and unique radio operating situations. Field Day experiences helps to develop skills among amateur radio operators to meet the challenges of emergency preparedness.

Field Day Plans

The St. Petersburg Amateur Radio Club founded in 1932 has shared the success of past Field Day events and continues to build upon, the history and legacy of the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County.

The 2016 Field Day event will be held at the DMI Research 6699 90th Avenue North Pinellas Park, West Central Florida location (Click HERE for directions) on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 2:00 PM through 2:00 PM Sunday, June 26, 2016.

Involvement & Participation

SPARC uses Field Day to educate and encourages its members to join in the fun of setting up and operating the Field Day portable radio stations. SPARC members during Field Day set-up and use portable emergency generators to power several radio stations, use station contact logging software and portable radio antennas to contact stations. SPARC members get an opportunity to participate and learn how to make thousands of radio station contacts on all bands, except those bands excluded and have fun enjoying the fellowship with other amateur radio operators during this fun and exciting event.

SPARC plans to get as many of the club membership to participate and enjoy Field Day through working contacts, logging and passing radio messages (Radiograms) to earn maximum points while sharing food and libations. SPARC members can also volunteer to serve on station and antenna equipment/ power generator set-up, public information and outreach, official event photographer, food and beverage donations and just add to the fun. SPARC members are encouraged to sign up at the May 6 and June 3, 2016 Club Meetings.

Youth Education & Development

SPARC sets up a special radio station for non-hams. Known as a “Get On The Air” (GOTA) station, this station is dedicated to educate non-hams on how to operate a radio station and learn how to make contacts. We want our youth to gain the knowledge and pass on the legacy of the great hobby of amateur radio. Youngsters as well as adults interested in obtaining their FCC amateur radio license are encouraged to attend the 2016 Field Day event and spend time at our GOTA station.

 

Public Education

SPARC uses Field Day as a public relations and promotional event to educate the general public on how amateur radio can be an important resource during emergencies. To that end, SPARC plans to designate a “Public Information Officer” to develop and disseminate public information during the Field Day event. This includes TV, radio and print media through public service announcements and news articles.

Elected and Public Officials & Agencies

SPARC’s outreach to our elected, public officials and community leaders during Field Day is designed to further develop a strong partnership and working relationship with federal, state and local government agencies, municipalities and the general public in the Cities of St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park.

Field Day Contacts

For SPARC members wishing to sign up and participate and media, elected officials and agencies wishing further information on Field Day please contact: Mr. Coy M. LaSister KK4JMP 2016 Field Day Chairman at (727) 409-9835 lasoeur55@hotmail.com. and/or Mr. Bob Wanek, N2ESP SPARC President president@sparc.org

 

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Mid Florida DX Association Featured Program

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 02/18/2016

Join in on our Friday, March 4th meeting for a very special evening with Tony DeAngelo, N2MFT,Mid FLorida DX Assn Logo President of the Mid Florida DX Association.  Tony will present some of the club’s motivation, planning, execution and results for activation of National Parks as part of the ARRL yearlong program.  MFDXA has already activated two National Parks and is planning more.

We will also hear about the Mid Florida DX Association’s other activities. One of their services is QSL card checking for DXCC awards credit. Tony will give us a little insight as to how QSL cards and the Log Book of the World (LoTW) work together for us to get our DXCC certificates.

MFDXA is offering to check cards for us at the meeting.  So dig out your old cards, click here to learn how to prepare your cards for checking, which must be done prior to asking a checker to review your QSLs.

YOUR CARDS MUST BE PREPARED BEFORE THEY CAN BE CHECKED.

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Antenna / Radio Smoked

By Bob Wanek N2ESP on 02/16/2016
Bad Antenna install
Photo by Klein PhotoGraphics

While visiting this year’s Hamcation® Stephan, K4SHK heard a loud bang like a cannon going off.  It turns out someone setting up their antenna let it contact high-power lines.  The area was roped off while the electric company powered down the lines to remove the antenna.  Stephan reports no one was injured but the radio was hooked up at the time and most likely fried.  Looking around the camping area, Stephan noticed another accident waiting to happen (See photo to right). These stickers are required on antennas for a reason.

Antenna warning label

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